For NFL fans and sports historians alike, the moments when teams explode offensively in a single quarter stand out as some of the most thrilling in football history. This list covers the highest-scoring quarters ever recorded in the NFL, highlighting the games where offenses went into overdrive and defenses struggled to keep pace. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a stats enthusiast, these record-breaking performances showcase football at its most electrifying.
1. Washington Redskins – 35 Points, 2nd Quarter vs. New York Giants (1966)
On November 27, 1966, the Washington Redskins set the NFL record for most points scored in a single quarter with an astonishing 35 points in the second quarter against the New York Giants. This offensive outburst included five touchdowns, demonstrating a perfect storm of passing and rushing efficiency. The Redskins’ quarterback, Sonny Jurgensen, threw multiple touchdown passes in this span, and the defense contributed by forcing turnovers that led to quick scores. This record still stands today, underscoring its rarity and dominance.
2. New England Patriots – 35 Points, 3rd Quarter vs. Tennessee Titans (2009)
The New England Patriots matched the 35-point quarter feat in the third quarter on November 15, 2009, against the Tennessee Titans. Fueled by Tom Brady’s precision passing and Wes Welker’s dynamic receiving, the Patriots scored five touchdowns in just 15 minutes. This quarter included a mix of long touchdown passes and short red-zone strikes, showcasing their offensive versatility. The Patriots’ ability to rapidly turn defense into offense was crucial in this scoring explosion.
3. Dallas Cowboys – 34 Points, 4th Quarter vs. Green Bay Packers (1979)
In a dramatic comeback effort on December 9, 1979, the Dallas Cowboys put up 34 points in the fourth quarter against the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Danny White orchestrated four touchdown drives and added a field goal, energizing the Cowboys and fans alike. This late-quarter surge nearly erased a large deficit, highlighting how momentum can shift dramatically in NFL games. It remains one of the highest-scoring quarters in the league’s history.
4. San Francisco 49ers – 33 Points, 2nd Quarter vs. New York Giants (1986)
The 49ers scored 33 points in the second quarter during a Monday Night Football showdown on November 3, 1986. Joe Montana threw three touchdown passes in this quarter alone, while the team capitalized on Giants’ turnovers. This offensive display was part of a dominant performance that helped San Francisco secure a decisive victory. The 33-point quarter is notable for its efficiency and the rapid pace at which the 49ers scored.
5. Chicago Bears – 33 Points, 3rd Quarter vs. New Orleans Saints (1990)
On October 21, 1990, the Chicago Bears scored 33 points in the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints. This quarter featured a combination of rushing touchdowns by Neal Anderson and passing scores from Jim Harbaugh. The Bears’ defense also contributed by forcing turnovers that set up short fields for the offense. This scoring burst was pivotal in the Bears’ commanding win that day.
6. Denver Broncos – 31 Points, 2nd Quarter vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2013)
During a game on November 3, 2013, the Denver Broncos put up 31 points in the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Peyton Manning threw four touchdown passes in this quarter, including a memorable 80-yard strike to Demaryius Thomas. The Broncos’ quick tempo and precision passing overwhelmed the Bucs’ defense, resulting in one of the highest-scoring quarters of the modern NFL era.
7. Miami Dolphins – 31 Points, 4th Quarter vs. New York Jets (1986)
In a comeback effort on November 16, 1986, the Miami Dolphins scored 31 points in the fourth quarter against the New York Jets. Quarterback Dan Marino led the charge with multiple touchdown passes, while the Dolphins’ defense forced turnovers that helped fuel the scoring spree. This quarter remains one of the most impressive late-game performances in NFL history.
8. New Orleans Saints – 31 Points, 2nd Quarter vs. Arizona Cardinals (2011)
The New Orleans Saints scored 31 points in the second quarter on November 6, 2011, against the Arizona Cardinals. Drew Brees threw four touchdown passes during this quarter, showcasing his elite passing ability. The Saints’ relentless offensive attack overwhelmed the Cardinals, contributing to a decisive victory and one of the highest-scoring quarters in recent memory.
9. Philadelphia Eagles – 30 Points, 3rd Quarter vs. Detroit Lions (2013)
On November 10, 2013, the Philadelphia Eagles scored 30 points in the third quarter against the Detroit Lions. Nick Foles, filling in for an injured Michael Vick, threw three touchdown passes, while LeSean McCoy added a rushing touchdown. The Eagles’ offense found a perfect rhythm, turning a close game into a blowout during this explosive quarter.
10. Buffalo Bills – 30 Points, 1st Quarter vs. Miami Dolphins (1990)
The Buffalo Bills scored 30 points in the first quarter on November 18, 1990, against the Miami Dolphins. Jim Kelly threw multiple touchdown passes, and Thurman Thomas contributed with a rushing touchdown. This fast start set the tone for the Bills’ dominant performance and remains one of the highest-scoring opening quarters in NFL history.
How to Choose
When evaluating the most points scored in a single NFL quarter, consider the context behind the numbers. Some quarters stand out because they broke longstanding records, such as Washington’s 35-point second quarter in 1966, while others are remarkable for the era or the players involved, like Peyton Manning’s 2013 performance. The quality of the opponent and the game situation—whether a comeback or a blowout—also add depth to the significance of these scoring bursts. Ultimately, the best quarter depends on whether you value raw point totals, historical impact, or the narrative surrounding the performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the official NFL record for most points scored in a single quarter?
A: The official record is 35 points, achieved by both the Washington Redskins in 1966 and the New England Patriots in 2009.
Q: Has any team scored more than 35 points in a quarter?
A: No team has officially scored more than 35 points in a single NFL quarter to date.
Q: Which player has been most involved in these high-scoring quarters?
A: Quarterbacks like Sonny Jurgensen, Tom Brady, and Peyton Manning have been key figures in multiple high-scoring quarters due to their passing prowess.
Q: Are these high-scoring quarters more common in recent years?
A: While some have occurred recently, such quarters are rare in any era due to the difficulty of scoring quickly and repeatedly.
Q: Do defensive or special teams scores contribute to these point totals?
A: Yes, turnovers and special teams touchdowns can accelerate scoring and contribute significantly to these high totals.
Final Thoughts
High-scoring quarters in the NFL capture the excitement and unpredictability of football, showcasing how quickly a game can change. From historic performances in the 1960s to more recent offensive explosions, these quarters remain etched in NFL lore. Whether driven by strategic brilliance, stellar individual efforts, or opportunistic defense, the most points scored in a single quarter serve as milestones of offensive excellence and memorable moments for fans and players alike.
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